Phillip Sherwood

I found this on-line and see its applicability and wanted to share this with you all. We are often asked how an able bodied person should act and talk in the presence of someone with a disability. This short guide isn’t intended to insult anyone’s intelligence and it’s content isn’t law. Hopefully you’ll find some useful tips and pointers in it.

Do’s and Don’ts When Interacting With People With Physical Disabilities:

DO

Respect the person’s personal property (canes, wheelchairs, crutches, communication boards, etc.). Unless given specific permission, do not move, play with, or use their assistive devices.

Rearrange furniture if there is something blocking the way of their wheelchair.

Try to get on eye level with the person when talking to them, if possible.

Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.

Consider accessibility when choosing areas to hold gatherings, meetings, parties, etc.

Speak to the person who has the disability and not just someone with them. Be patient and ask questions if you can’t understand them.

Ask the person questions about their disability. Most people are very willing to share.

Let your child talk to people with disabilities. Understanding is the key to acceptance.

Ask the person if they need some help. The worst they can do is say “No, thank you.”

Treat the person just like you would treat a non-disabled person.

Carry on normal conversations with people with disabilities. They are most likely interested in the same things that you are.

Emphasize the uniqueness and worth of all persons rather than the differences between people. Concentrate on the person’s achievements, abilities, and individual qualities.

Promote acceptance and understanding among all people.

Relax and just be yourself.

DON’T

Talk down to the person or like they are a child (unless they really are a child).

Pat someone with a disability on the head. They are not pets or toys. They are people.

Lean on the person’s wheelchair when you are near them. The chair is part of their personal space.

Assume that the person can shake hands with you. Not everyone can shake hands. Try a nod or a smile instead.

Stare at the person. They are not a picture to be examined.

Be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted common expressions such as “Must Dash” “See you later” or “Got to be running along” that seem to relate to the person’s disability.

Use terms such as crippled, victim, deformed, retarded, etc. when describing the person.

Talk about the person like they are not in the room.

Focus on the disability. ALWAYS concentrate on the individual.

Make decisions for the person. They know what they like, what they don’t like, and what they can and cannot do.

Exclude people with disabilities from participating in anything because you think it may be too difficult for them to participate.

Judge the person by their looks or by their equipment.